‘Put people back to work in our national forests, restore the environment, and improve public safety’

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-04) introduced the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2013 (H.R.1345), legislation aimed at preventing destructive wildfires and stimulating rural economies. Specifically, the legislation renews and reforms the Forest Service’s ability to partner with private industry and local governments to implement thinning and ecological restoration projects, such as the White Mountain Stewardship Project and the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), allows the federal government to partner with State Foresters to treat national forest land, and streamlines the bureaucratic review process for timber and grazing projects. The bill was introduced with 13 original co-sponsors, including the majority of the Arizona House Congressional Delegation.

“This bill provides the federal government the tools and the expedited processes proactively treat our forests, improve public safety, and put people back to work,” Rep. Gosar stated. As we anticipate another dangerous fire season, with minor fires in Northern Arizona and Colorado already taking place, Congress must act now.”

“We would like to commend Congressman Gosar for his efforts in introducing a common sense approach to managing public lands in a manner that will avoid catastrophic wildfires in the west,” said Andy Groseta, President of the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association. “Fire season is fast approaching, and we need our land managing agencies to return our working landscapes and manage for true multiple-use. It is time to allow rural America to begin producing again. It is with legislation like this from Congressman Gosar that we will create jobs in the west while reducing the devastating effects of wildfires in our communities.”

"As local stewards of our land and precious natural resources, conservation districts remain concerned about the devastating impact of wildfires," said Earl Garber, President of the National Association of Conservation Districts. "I am pleased with Congressman Gosar's proactive proposal to provide local land managers with the tools they need to help combat and mitigate the effects of destructive wildfires on the landscape."

Nearly 30 national and state multiple-use associations have supported Rep. Gosar’s bill, including the Arizona Cattlemen’s Association, the Arizona Natural Resources Conservation Districts State Association, and the Arizona Farm Bureau. You can view their letter of support by clicking HERE.